Wetland monitoring in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a tool for the assessment of global changes

Aims

To provide analytical support for measuring and detecting changes to wetland habitats in Saudi Arabia.

Partners

King Saud University, Guelma University.

Funding

National Science, Technology & Innovation Plan.

Outputs

training material; GIS layers; monitoring methodologies.

Samraoui, B. & O’Connell, M.J. (2016). Sebkhas and other wetlands of Saudi Arabia: biodiversity value, threats and perspectives. Arid Land Research and Management. In prep.

Outcomes

The wetlands of Saudi Arabia are located in a water-stressed region that is highly vulnerable to climate change. At present, there is no general information regarding the status and trends of wetland resources and biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. Previous surveys are in desperate need of updating and research data needs to be made accessible. This project will focus on solutions to these needs.